Family and friends of late Mr. Ubon Jimmy Akpan, on Thursday bade him farewell at a well-attended Service of Songs.
Mr. Akpan passed on recently after a protracted illness. He was aged 56 years.
At the farewell gathering, which took place at the Chapel of the Healing Cross, Idi-Araba, Lagos, where the late Akpan was an active member, eulogies were poured freely.
He was described as “a man of integrity, committed to family and friends. A source of inspiration and an ardent lover of God.”
Members of the fellowship to which the late Akpan and his wife belonged, Fellowship of Faith and the Good Shepherd, bade him goodbye with a beautiful rendition of their anthems.
In unanimity, they described Akpan, whom they nicknamed “Resource Control and South-South,” as “a major pillar in the fellowship; a calm, quiet, humble and humourous man who contributed a lot during Bible studies.”
In his exhortation to the congregation, Rev. Albert Olorunmade, reminded all that life on earth was transient and urged them to live good lives in Christ in order to make heaven.
“As man created by God, we should live good lives so that after here we will have an abode in heaven. How are you preparing for life after here. No one knows when the time will come. If you are living a life not of God, repent.
“The Bible says it is appointed unto man once to die, after that, judgment. We are all strangers here in the journey of life.
Though Jesus had gone ahead to prepare a place, the place is not for everyone. What gets you into that home is how you lived here,” he said.
He prayed for the restful repose of Akpan’s soul and comfort for his wife and children and all those who mourn his death.
Akpan, a seasoned journalist in his life time was a pioneer staff of Champion Newspapers Limited where he reported Maritime for several years before founding his own Maritime Magazine.
Reacting to his demise on their WhatsApp Platform, Champion Emeritus, Akpan’s former colleagues paid him glowing tributes.
Below are some of their comments:
“Champion Emeritus, pls accept my sympathy on the sudden death of Mr. Ubon Akpan. May the Lord accept his soul.” Prince Henry O. Odukomaiya, pioneer Managing Director, Champion Newspapers Ltd.
“Just as we thought we could show some love, Ubon rebuffed us. Or did he really have a choice? He probably heard about our effort, paltry but symbolic; yet the elements we cannot control snatched control of the moment, rendering him utterly powerless. How helpless we are, in the face of our awesone God. But the Almighty remains the epitome of LOVE. We could question: Why?
Yet, He determines when the pain is over, the toil is past and the labour is done.
“As He stretches out His loving arms, may Ubon recline in them comfortably.
“Ubon’s family, you will be surprised what “Anya na ele uwa” will do with his wife and children. The loving Father remains who He is: FAITHFUL.
Thank you, Ubon. Rip.”
Emma Agu, pioneer Editor and former Managing Director, Champion Newspapers.
“Joy and happiness can be blighted by circumstances or even made to cease by mortality, but the legacy to create joy remains because those whose days were brightened by the joy so created never really forget. I can’t forget Ubon. Let his life on the other side be filled with fairweather. He deserves it.”
Nwabueze Njoku, former Deputy Editor of Sunday Champion
” So sad we lost Ubong. May the Lord comfort his family and the Champion family.”
Mrs Nkechi Nwankwo, former Woman Editor/Leader Writer
“So SAD about my friend and our former colleague Ubon Akpan. But it’s the WAY of mortals, a debt we will yet pay at the fullness of time. Some of us have since died… in Christ and so we no longer give heed to death.”
Ugo Onuoha, former MD/E-i-C.
“OMG! So sad. My condolences to his family, loved ones and Champion Emeritus.”
Jonathan Ishaku, former Editor of
Sunday Champion.
